Do Humans Have the Right to Create Life Through Unnatural Means? What Are the Ethical and Moral Aspects of This?

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A question one could ask oneself is, whether or not Frankenstein is God? Does he have the right to create or undo life? Questions and fears are countless in this matter, but so are the curiosities which continue to carry on the development of biotechnological science. There were many factors which drove Frankenstein on in his venture through creating life, one being curiosity. It is curiosity among other factors which drive scientists on in this subject even today, although oppositions from numerous other scientists.

There are two main themes which act in different ways in this novel. One is the myth of modern Prometheus, where Prometheus is replaced by Victor Frankenstein, and steals the fire from the Gods. The other theme is whether or not science can find solutions to all human problems.

The myth of modern Prometheus is so related to this novel that it is even the subtitle of the book. In the myth of modern Prometheus, Prometheus steals fire from the gods to give it to humanity, and is cursed by Zeus and made to suffer everlasting torture. By creating life, Frankenstein rises above natural laws, which have ruled us for millions of years. Although Frankenstein obtains these god-like powers, he does not have god-like knowledge, experience or responsibility.

Victor Frankenstein, as Prometheus has gained god-like powers, and like him, will be punished sooner or later. Frankenstein creating the creature means the obliteration of himself. One of the things that makes this novel so popular today is the fact that there is a universal theme; the pursuit of god-like powers. This is why numerous scholars have used Frankenstein as a central piece in their argument against the development of cloning technology even today.

Seemingly, science is a good thing which solves all human beings problems. Many things can be done with mastered scientific knowledge, but it could be interpreted that Mary Shelley is warning us of the consequences of this principle. In this novel Frankenstein meddles with such murky matters to gain his own fame, not considering the consequences of his actions, thus putting all of humanity on the line, and leading to his own destruction.

Frankenstein completes his creation, neglecting all moral and ethical repercussions of his creation, but to his surprise his success created horror and death instead of immortality and fame. Even when Frankenstein realizes that his god-like desires have

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